12 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin 2025, Tested & Reviewed

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The best sunscreens for oily skin not only protect you from the sun’s rays but also act like skin care to minimize shine and acne flare-ups. I know, I know—the thought of adding a greasy product into your carefully calibrated regimen may send you running for cover (take it from an acne-prone girlie herself), but I can assure you that there are tons of formulas out there that will leave you looking less shiny while also providing the SPF protection you need.

I spoke with dozens of dermatologists to find out what they recommend for oily-prone skin types, and have spent countless hours over the past few years reviewing all of the top options on the market, as well as new launches from buzzy brands. I also tapped Glamour editors and testers who have oily skin types to share the best sunscreens they swear by, and without a doubt, the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 rose to the top. This derm-approved pick is lightweight and has a nongreasy feel and zero white cast. But there are also plenty of other high-quality facial sunscreens to choose from that won’t lead to breakouts and excess shine—all tried and tested by editors.

The best sunscreens for oily skin, at a glanceBest Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, $43Best With SPF 50: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, $46Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30, $20Best Tinted: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50, $44Best for Deep Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45, $20Best for Under Makeup: Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, $40Best Korean Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily Mineral UV Defense SPF 45 Face Sunscreen, $15How we tested sunscreens for oily skin

To help you find the best options to add to your skin care routine—the ones with a matte finish that won’t contribute to excess shine—we asked dermatologists what they recommend to their patients. We also polled our expert editorial team for their favorites, plus tapped our team of testers to try out more than two dozen of the most promising formulas over the course of a year and a half. Our final list of the best SPF for oily skin includes only the cream of the crop—the ones that were readily absorbed, left a natural finish, wore well throughout the day (i.e., didn’t leave us shiny and sticky after an hour or two), and effectively blocked UV rays. We frequently update this story as we continue to test sunscreens throughout the year.

Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

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EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

Here’s the thing about this mineral sunscreen: It’s so good that just about every dermatologist we spoke to (we’re talking dozens!) recommends this product. “It’s easy to apply and absorbs into my skin readily—no greasy residue whatsoever,” says Debra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New Jersey. We picked it as the best sunscreen for oily skin because it’s lightweight, nongreasy, and dries down invisible. Despite the high SPF, it’s largely transparent, which means it won’t leave a white cast. If you’re active, the broad-spectrum protection is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Want a bit more coverage? You’re in luck because this one also comes in a tinted version that can blur texture and discoloration.

What our testers say: “The formula is ultralight and leaves behind zero sticky residue, making it perfect for layering under makeup for everyday wear,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.

“As a Black woman, I’ve always been a bit wary of tinted sunscreens,” says Miah Hardy, associate manager of audio audience strategy at Condé Nast, who has a combination complexion. “No one wants to trade sun protection for an ashy finish. But this tinted formula completely won me over. Not only does it protect my skin, but it also leaves a beautiful, healthy glow. No chalkiness, no weird cast, just radiant skin,” she says.

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide / SPF: 46 / Oil-free: Yes

What we love: Lightweight; nongreasyWhat could improve: On the more expensive sideBest Drugstore Sunscreen: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint

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CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen

If you’re on the hunt for a hardworking drugstore SPF, you can’t go wrong with CeraVe’s sheer tint. The mineral sunscreen, which is also available in an untinted formula, promises broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection while nourishing the skin barrier with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Don’t worry: It’s not greasy, and Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, says it’s safe for all skin types.

What our tester says: “I used it until the very last drop, and now I’m on my second bottle. I have combination and oily skin, and in the summer this tinted SPF was all I used as a base. It feels thick on your fingers, but once you layer it on your face, it blends smoothly and leaves a nice glow for a no-makeup makeup look,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid / SPF: 30 / Oil-free: Yes

What we love: Light coverage; nontacky formulaWhat could improve: Formula is a bit thickBest Tinted Sunscreen: Best Tinted Sunscreen: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50Original image by Danielle Sinay testing Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50

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Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50

Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYC, says this fragrance-free sunscreen is a “standout option” for those with oily or sensitive skin. “The brand offers 14 shades to perfectly match your skin tone with light, buildable coverage and a natural finish,” she says. The product is a daily go-to for multiple Glamour editors who tested Supergoop’s Protect(tint) formula.

What our testers say: “It provides my ideal trifecta: coverage but not too much, no orange hands (key), and a little hint of dewy glow,” says senior editor Stephanie McNeal.

“The color match is literal perfection,” adds senior manager of social media Jazmin Gathers, who recommends setting it with a little powder.

Type: Chemical / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, homosalate, octisalate / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: Yes

What we love: Light, buildable coverage; smooths skin; wide range of shadesWhat could improve: May take a few coats to cover acne and blemishesBest Sunscreen for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

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Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen

Yes, the green color is a little odd in this sunscreen, but there’s a good reason for this: The formula is designed to help cancel out redness from irritated or acne-prone skin. Another bonus for inflamed skin? The gel-cream formula lends a soothing cooling sensation as it settles into skin.

What our testers say: Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary, who has acne-prone skin, says she’s obsessed with this Hero Cosmetics sunscreen. “It acts as a color-corrector and helps balance out my skin.”

Glamour contributor Deanna Pai is also a fan. “My skin type (combination and prone to breakouts) and skin tone (olive) have made it hard for me to find a good sunscreen. Most tend to feel cloying or prove hard to blend out invisibly. Not this lightweight SPF, though. It blends in seamlessly without feeling heavy and doesn’t leave skin shiny—even if you skew oily and acne-prone.”

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 / Oil-free: No; contains raspberry seed oil and moringa oleifera seed oil

What we love: Lightweight; easy to layerWhat could improve: Pump can get cloggedBest Sunscreen for Under Makeup: Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 with Ceramides and Peptides

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Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

We’ve spent the better part of the past year testing this sunscreen, evaluating just how well it works across a variety of temperatures, climates, and environments. It’s aced just about every test, solidifying its spot as an editor-favorite, especially for wearing underneath makeup.

It’s basically a skin care product and SPF hybrid. It has a peachy-pink tint that lightly color corrects, but it also contains enough moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) to plump and smooth. Of course, you get that coveted SPF too—40, to be exact. It’s lightweight and quick to absorb, so it layers beautifully under makeup should you choose to do so.

What our testers say: Danielle Sinay, Glamour’s former associate beauty editor, says it’s a “dream for oily yet highly sensitive skin,” while commerce director Brie Schwartz praises it as the perfect solution for those who prefer to skip out on foundation. Glamour’s Kilkeary says, “It’s never pilled in the times I’ve used it over the past year, and it always plays well with my makeup.”

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 40 / Oil-free: No

What we love: Hydrating; lightly tinted; smoothingWhat could improve: Slightly tacky formulaBest Sunscreen for Blue Light Protection: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPFOriginal photo from Jenifer Calle testing Jenifer Calle Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF

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Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF

Another favorite of Dr. Garshick, this lightweight sunscreen is powered by zinc oxide and iron oxide, plus is made with a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA and UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation, she says. It also boasts antioxidants to help keep the skin hydrated.

What our testers say: Glamour contributor Hanna Lustig uses this tinted product daily and loves the way the pigments adapt to your specific skin tone for the perfect match. “The formula is hydrating enough to glide over dry patches and problem areas, but within minutes it dries down to a semi-matte finish with surprisingly substantial coverage,” she says.

Glamour’s Calle uses it as a foundation base. “It comes out as a white liquid but once you blend it, you’ll get the shade and coverage you’re looking for, plus it leaves a dewy finish.”

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: Yes

What we love: Lightweight; water- and sweat-resistant; protects against the sun’s rays and environmental aggressorsWhat could improve: Only four shadesBest for Matte Finish: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60Original image of Loneeja Talukdar testing the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60

Dr. Garshick generally recommends lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreens like this “dry touch” formula, which sinks in instantly, creating a blurred, matte finish. “[These sunscreens] create a smooth base without leaving a greasy or sticky residue,” says Dr. Garshick, noting it’s a great daily option for layering under makeup or tinted moisturizer.

What our tester says: Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar, who has sensitive skin, raved about this SPF during testing. “It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and provides great sun protection without leaving any white cast,” she said. “My skin feels smooth and matte all day, making it perfect for everyday use.”

Type: Chemical / Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate / SPF: 60 / Oil-free: Yes

What we love: Widely available drugstore brand; fast-absorbing; water-resistant for 80 minutesWhat could improve: Can leave a bit of a white cast if not fully blended inBest for Deep Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45Original image from Nykia Spradley testing Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte (SPF 45)

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Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45

If you have oily skin and a deeper complexion, we can’t sing higher praises for this matte sunscreen. While it works to keep shine at bay, it will never dry you out thanks to jojoba and avocado oils in the formula.

What our tester says: Glamour contributor Nykia Spradley, who has combination, oily skin (particularly around her cheeks), likes this sunscreen because it feels like a moisturizer. “The cream comes out white but turns clear without a lot of rubbing needed,” she says. And, it never feels heavy or greasy upon application.

Type: Chemical / Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 45 / Oil-free: No

What we love: Lightweight texture; ideal for oily skin; matte finishWhat could improve: Might be too thick for someBest Korean Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily Mineral UV Defense SPF 45 Face SunscreenOriginal photo from Jenifer Calle testing Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

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Innisfree Daily Mineral UV Defense SPF 45 Face Sunscreen

This pick is one of the top Korean sunscreens we rely on over and over again. It has a slight green tint which allows it to color correct redness and neutralize uneven tone. The best part? It makes your skin look radiant and soft, but never shiny.

What our tester says: “I have combination skin and I sometimes get red around my nose and cheeks. The green (though it’s more like jade color) diminishes any redness. But, you do have to rub it in pretty well to avoid any white cast since it’s a thick consistency,” says Glamour’s Calle. She ranks this among her favorite sunscreens because of its “glowy finish.”

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, cica / SPF: 45 / Oil-free: Yes

What we love: Color corrects redness and dark spotsWhat could improve: Easy to go through the tube quicklyBest Spray Sunscreen: Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Sunscreen Face MistOriginal image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist

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Vacation Super Spritz Sunscreen Face Mist (SPF 50)

When it comes to sun blockers, Vacation is another buzzy brand at the moment—thank you, TikTok! We get it: It’s hard to deny the fun, nostalgic branding, especially when what’s inside really delivers. Our editors are already big fans of the brand’s Classic Whip SPF 30 but recently tried this face mist to impressive results.

The ingredients list is packed with superstars all meant to keep even sensitive and acne-prone skin both calm and protected at the same time: bisabolol, aloe, cucumber, shea oil, maracuja oil, caffeine, banana, coconut, green tea, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. (Phew!) It sprays on completely clear and instantly dries to a matte finish.

What our testers say: “This isn’t an exaggeration—my face was dry just as soon as I sprayed the SPF,” says Earley. “If not for the incredibly yummy tropical scent it leaves behind, I’d second-guess whether I’d actually put any sunscreen on.” We love how tiny the bottle is—you can easily stash it in your purse for all-day touch-ups.

As a spray, it’s also great for reapplication. “I tucked this sunscreen spray in my fanny pack during my hike in Quilotoa Lake in Ecuador to reapply throughout the day, and loved it. I only wish that the spray was less jet-like and more misty so it would be easier to apply,” says Glamour’s Calle.

Type: Chemical / Key ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisilate / SPF: 50 / Oil-free: No

What we love: Suitable for all skin types; entirely clear; dries quickly; great scentWhat could improve: Because it dries so fast, you have to be careful not to miss any spotsBest With SPF 50: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+Original photo from Dr. Marisa Garshick testing ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Mineral Sunscreen

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ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Though some testers said the formula was a bit runny, Dr. Garshick says she likes this texture because it’s light enough for oily skin and absorbs in record time. She also praises the packed ingredient list, which counts DNA Repairsomes among other skin care standouts like vitamin E. DNA repair enzymes help improve any signs of existing sun damage at a cellular level, meaning this sunscreen not only protects against UVA and UVB rays but also works in reverse to fix concerns like hyperpigmentation from prior damage.

What our tester says: “The finish is matte and almost powdery, but it doesn’t leave any white cast behind,” says Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith, who deals with oily, acne-prone skin. In tests, we found a little bit goes a long way, too, which helps justify the relatively steep price tag.

Type: Mineral / Key ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50+ / Oil-free: Yes

What we love: Lightweight; fast-absorbing; contains enzymes that help repair existing sun damageWhat could improve: A bit runnyBest for Glowy Finish: E.L.F. Cosmetics Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing E.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35

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E.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35

Unlike your average lotion SPF, this affordable pick is a clear lightweight gel sunscreen. It spreads easily and absorbs almost instantly, so even though the bottle is small, a little bit goes a long way. Because of this, it’s also a great everyday pick for the face. Our tester says it feels a lot like an oil at first, but once it dries, it doesn’t leave skin greasy at all.

What our tester says: Glamour’s Calle, who has combination skin, tells us the consistency is perfect for layering under makeup. And even though the tube is very small (perfect for popping in your cosmetics case), a little bit goes a long way, extending the life and overall value.

Type: Chemical / Key ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene 8.0, homosalate, meadowfoam seed, aloe / SPF: 35 / Oil-free: No; contains meadowfoam seed oil

What we love: Doubles as a primer for makeup; completely clear gel formulaWhat could improve: Small tubeFrequently asked questions

What type of sunscreen is best for oily skin?

Similar to your go-to shine-quenchers—salicylic acid or retinoids, for example—the best types of sunscreens for oily skin can help with oil control, minimizing the excess shine that standard broad-spectrum sunscreens leave behind.

When shopping, start by seeking out mineral formulas when possible. Since they’re formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than chemical components that soak into skin, they’re generally less irritating, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Mineral sunscreens also tend to be fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, and noninflammatory,” she says, making them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

If you’re concerned about a white cast, there are some chemical sunscreens that fit the bill. Just look for buzzwords like noncomedogenic, which indicates it won’t clog pores, says Deeptej Singh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Sandia Dermatology in Albuquerque, who notes oil-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic are other terms to look for on the labels of sunscreen for oily skin.

Does SPF level matter when shopping for a sunscreen for oily skin?

In short, yes, says Pooja Rambhia MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey. “I always recommend SPF 30 or higher for all my patients, but it’s especially crucial for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Patients, particularly those with acne, often develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and adequate sun protection is essential to prevent darkening of these spots. I recommend a tinted sunscreen as the iron oxides in tinted formulations provide additional protection against visible light that can worsen pigmentation.”

What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreen if you have oily skin?

“It’s important to avoid comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, or heavy occlusives [moisturizers] that may trap oil and debris in pores,” says Hope Mitchell MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology. She also recommends being cautious with fragrances, alcohols and certain chemical filters (like oxybenzone) that may cause irritation in some individuals.

Can sunscreen make your face oily?

While some sunscreens—especially emollient-heavy formulas meant to trap in moisture—can make oily skin feel greasier, it’s important to look for sunscreens labeled “dry touch,” “matte finish,” or “oil free,” says Dr. Mitchell. “Using a mattifying daily sunscreen can actually help improve the appearance and longevity of makeup too,” she adds.

Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York CityDeeptej Singh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Sandia Dermatology in AlbuquerqueDebra Ibrahim, DO, co-owner of Aesthetica Medspa in New JerseyMarisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYCShereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYCPooja Rambhia MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New JerseyHope Mitchell MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology